WEE COUNTY performers can audition for the opportunity to tread the boards at the Macrobert Arts Centre.

The search is on for those with an interest in singing, dancing and acting, aged 10-17, who would like to join the cast for this year’s pantomime.

They will work with a highly-skilled company of performers and creatives and will be kept busy rehearsing in the lead-up to the six-week run of Sleepin’ Cutie.

Julie Ellen, Macrobert Arts Centre’s artistic director, is excited to see the young talent auditioning this year.

She said: “Our young cast won’t just perform in Sleepin’ Cutie, they will become part of our company.

“Working together over a five-month period, building their own character role, they also get the chance to work directly with leading creatives; Karen Martin, choreographer; Alan Penman, musical director; and this year I will be their director.”

Rehearsals begin during the summer, with an intensive three-day session, followed by Sunday rehearsals throughout September and an additional week-long intensive rehearsal during the October holidays.

The Young Company then join the professionals when they take up residence in November in the run-up to the six weeks of performances (November 23 to December 31).

A high level of commitment and enthusiasm is needed but it is an invaluable opportunity for young people with an interest in the performing arts.

Feedback from previous cast members has highlighted the opportunity as a great way to learn new skills, meet lifelong friends and to discover new talents.

Julie said: “Each young cast member will have a unique costume created for their character by designer Alison Brown, who was nominated for Best Costume Design for Chick Whittington in The Great British Pantomime Awards 2017.

“The young performers also get to work with the panto principals – some of the nation’s finest actors.

“I’m looking forward to seeing lots of talented young people at the audition and getting to work with some of the artists of the future.”

This engaged way of working is part of the Macrobert’s commitment to inspiring, supporting and developing young people of all ages – offering them the chance to experience the arts at lots of different levels.

The audition will be informal and fun with no need to prepare anything in advances.

Application forms and more information is available on the Macrobert Arts Centre website, macrobertartscentre.org

Completed forms need to be returned by Monday, May 7.